Coral Sea Classic Frequently Asked Questions

by Tamzin Wardley on 15 Feb 2001 The Coral Sea Classic race series commences in Townsville on May 2 with a
24-hour race to Cairns. A short hop to nearby Fitzroy island, famous for its post race party, on the Saturday; followed by the feature race from Cairns to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, on the Monday. The series is completed with three races run in the fantastic Port Moresby harbour and local islands, on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 May.

The Royal Papua Yacht Club, organiser of the event, is famous throughout the South Pacific region for its hospitality and with their brand new club house are looking forward to welcoming Yachties from Down South.

The series has three divisions: performance handicap, cruising and multi-hull. Many of the cruising division use the race series as a way to travel in-company up to PNG waters and then cruise together down to the magical Trobriands and Louisiades.

The series is proudly sponsored by Air Niugini, EMTV and HIH and Sail-World.com.

The Entry form and Notice of Race can be printed from http://www.sail-world.com

Following is a list of FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I require a visa to enter Papua New Guinea?

Yes. Special 'sportsman visas' have been arranged for all sailors involved with the race. Visas can be obtained from the PNG consulates and will cost $13. Visas should be obtained as soon as possible to ensure there are no delays. The visa application form is available at the consulates and should only take a few minutes to complete. You will need a passport size photograph and valid passport with minimum six months to expiry.

Where are the PNG Consulates?

There are consulates in Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns. Their addresses are:

Brisbane: Malagan House, 99 Creek St ph3221 8067 faxx# 3229 6084 ask for Lynne

Cairns: National Mutual Tower, 15 Lake St ph# 4052 1033 fax# 4052 1048 ask for Imong

Sydney: 100 Clarence St ph# 9299 5151 fax# 9290 3794
ask for Wini

What are the customs requirements to depart Australian waters?

1. All crew require a valid passport
2. The yacht must be registered with the Australian Ships Register (or overseas equivalent)
3. The yacht must be in the charge of a designated ships master

Must I register my yacht with the Australian Registrar of Ships?

Yes. There is a shortcut, however. You can obtain a temporary permit which allows to you take part in the race and leave and re-enter Australian waters, without having to complete full registration. Details on how to obtain this permit will be posted.

When do we have to clear Australian customs?

The race organisers are arranging for special customs clearance, at the Cairns Yacht Club, on the morning of the race from Cairns to Port Moresby. Skippers will be advised of details.

Does the yacht require any documentation to enter PNG waters and will it cost me anything?

Yes. You will require a cruising permit. The permit can be obtained at the PNG consulates when you obtain your personal visa. The permit costs (being negotiated) and allows the yacht to remain in PNG waters for 60 days.

Where will we clear PNG customs ?

PNG customs will be at the Royal Papua Yacht Club for all arrival and departure clearances.

Where can we stay in PNG and what will it cost?

Full hotel accommodation is available, near the yacht club, ranging from budget 3-star style accommodation at approx $60/night per room twin share up to the 5-star Parkroyal at approx $175/night. Bookings can be arranged via the race director. Billets can also be arranged if required.

What is the security situation like? I've heard a lot of stories about PNG…..

The Royal Papua Yacht Club and its 200 berth marina are in a very secure area monitored by its own security guards. The people of Papua New Guinea are very friendly and usually make visiting sailors feel very welcome. The club will provide a shuttle bus service to get you around and the hotel buses will drop you off at the club or restaurants. People tend not to walk around at night and visitors are advised that when visiting restaurants or night clubs to go straight to the venue and not to loiter. People should be vigilant and then any risk is minimal.


What facilities are available to fix our yachts if we have a problem?

Port Moresby and the Royal Papua Yacht Club are located on the cruising yacht circuit and are well frequented by passing yachties. Full slipping services, engineering workshops, electronic/communications businesses and chandleries, plus a limited sail loft (repairs only) are available in town.

What services will I find at the Royal Papua Yacht Club?

The club has full bar and restaurant facilities, laundry, intenational pay phone, eftpos facilities for Visa and American Express, fuel depot. A standby crane will be arranged for lift outs.

The race organisers are arranging for internet/email access to be available at the club during your stay.

The sponsor Air Niugini is providing cheap airfares. Who can use these and how do I arrange them?

The cheap airfares are available from Brisbane/Cairns to Port Moresby or Port Moresby to Cairns/Brisbane. They are available to any bona-fide member of your crew - whether they are racing, delivery or support crew.

The fares MUST be arranged through the race committee in PNG. Please contact the race director at twardley@carpenters.com.pg